POINT GUARD
Sonia Henning, Houston: Her strength is definitely defense as she averages just two points per game and shoots 25 percent from 3-point range. She's even third on the team in assists with 2.1. Her lack of offensive fire power makes it possible for Azzi to help double team Houston's big three.
Jennifer Azzi, Utah: Also a great defender, she can set the tone for the Starzz with a strong start. Azzi is also capable of huge numbers offensively and is shooting 44 percent from 3-point range. She will look to pass first, but if the team gets in trouble or the shot is open, she won't hesitate to shoot. She's averaging 9.6 ppg and 4.9 apg.
Advantage: Utah. Azzi is tougher all-around and will kill a team if left alone.
SHOOTING GUARD/SMALL FORWARD
Sheryl Swoopes, Houston: Hardly a better player on either end of the floor than the understated former league MVP. She's a deadly accurate shooter, top defender and an effective rebounder. She's versatile, fast and she knows how to win and is a strong candidate for this year's WNBA MVP. She averages 18.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 3.3 apg.
Marie Ferdinand, Utah: A much improved and more experienced player in her second year, who won the role of guarding one of the game's best in the first meeting between these teams, despite playing different positions. Swoopes has a three-inch advantage in height, but that makes little difference. Ferdinand is one of the quickest players, and she loves to drive to the basket. She also has a beautiful pull-up jump shot and can knock down a 3-pointer if needed. Averaging 15.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 2.8 apg.
Advantage: Houston. Statistically and stylistically similar players, Swoopes gets the nod because of experience.
SHOOTING GUARD/SMALL FORWARD
Janeth Arcain, Houston: Her numbers are down since Swoopes returned from a knee injury, which shows she's a true team player. She's versatile and a solid rebounder. She'll do whatever her coach asks and she can be run-away scorer if the team needs it. She's averaging 11.5 ppg and can shoot from almost anywhere on the floor.
Adrienne Goodson, Utah: Having her best season yet at age 34. Her style is explosive and emotional and if she's up can carry her team. Also versatile with the ability to drive, dribble, pass and rebound with the league's best. Her defense usually drives her offense, which has led the Starzz this season. She's averaging 15.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, with half of those on the offensive boards.
Advantage: Utah. I like Goodson's driving ability in this match-up, but Arcain's better at shooting from long range.
POWER FORWARD
Tina Thompson, Houston: Coming off a bruised hip, but she's tough and physical underneath. She can score from anywhere but is one of the few players who can hold her own down low with Williams. She's strong and, like Williams, loves to rebound. She helps her team in many little ways defensively. She's averaging 16.7 ppg and 7.5 rpg.
Natalie Williams, Utah: Also capable of hurting a team in the paint and on the perimeter. A little shorter than Thompson, she has done a great job of holding Thompson's offensive production down. She's so strong physically that even with two or three defenders on her she can push her way to the basket. Having an average year for herself, with 11.3 ppg and 8.2 rpg, but still one of the best in the league.
Advantage: Even. These two players are similar and in style and strength and if both play to their potential will really cancel each other out of the equation.
CENTER
Tiffani Johnson, Houston: She is a role player who does what the Comets need in the middle, which is rebound. She's very effective on the offensive boards and is pretty physical in the paint. She's strong defensively, but not very potent offensively. She splits time with rookie Michelle Snow, who's averaging 14 minutes, 3.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg and likely a better match-up with Dydek.
Margo Dydek, Utah: When she plays to her potential there isn't a player in the league who can stay with her. She's 7-2 and nearly a foot taller than her tallest opponent, which makes her very hard to guard. If she's on fire, she's a blocking machine and just her presence in the paint changes the way a team runs offensively. Will be critical on the boards for Utah.
Advantage: Utah. Dydek is almost averaging a double-double but has struggled of late. Even on an average day, she's very tough to defend.
BENCH PLAYERS
Houston: Snow leads those players coming off the Comet bench with Kelly Gibson, Rebecca Lobo and Grace Daley picking up limited minutes. Both teams rely on their starters tremendously and that won't change tonight.
Utah: Semeka Randall has been a spark on offense and defense for Utah and her style is similar to Swoopes and Ferdinand. She could pick up some minutes and is one of the few on either bench that could make a significant difference. LaTonya Johnson, Amy Herrig, Andrea Gardner may play very limited minutes if the starters are in foul trouble.
Advantage: Utah. While both teams starters average more than 30 minutes per game, the Starzz have a deeper bench at more positions.
COACHING
Van Chancellor, Houston: Has proven time and time again he can find a way to win, with or without his star players. Just two weeks ago, he beat Los Angeles without Thompson. His harping about defense has worked as his team holds opponents to an average of 59 points per game.
Candi Harvey, Utah: Has been a miracle worker in Salt Lake by turning the Starzz from mediocre to one of the WNBA's best. Doesn't get the credit or respect she deserves, but doesn't much care either. Hard-nosed and straight-forward, she sees the movement on the floor like few people do.
Advantage: Houston. Chancellor has four rings, which tips the scale in his favor, although like their teams, it's a very even match-up.